[Campbell Biology P.600] Based on the provided phylogenetic tree and text regarding herbivor... | Practice Question

Based on the provided phylogenetic tree and text regarding herbivory in insects, which of the following statements is a valid conclusion?

  • A: The common ancestor of moths, butterflies, and caddisflies was herbivorous.
  • B: Caddisflies are more distantly related to moths and butterflies than flies and fleas are.
  • C: Herbivory is a derived trait within the lineage leading to moths and butterflies, based on this tree and accompanying text.
  • D: All insects descended from meat-eating or detritus-feeding ancestors eventually evolved herbivory.

Explanation

The phylogenetic tree explicitly places the 'Herbivory' trait on the branch leading exclusively to 'Moths and butterflies'. Coupled with the text stating that caddisflies, their sister group, are not herbivorous, this indicates that herbivory is a derived characteristic unique to the moth and butterfly lineage within this depicted phylogeny, having evolved after their divergence from the common ancestor shared with caddisflies.